These opportunities, then, gave these men the chance they needed, and their great abilities made them recognize it. - Niccolò Machiavelli

he wise man should always follow the roads that have been trodden by the great, and imitate those who have most excelled, so that if he cannot reach their perfection, he may at least acquire something of its savour.

Appear as you may wish to be

For when you are on the spot, disorders are detected in their beginnings and remedies can be readily applied; but when you are at a distance, they are not heard of until they have gathered strength and the case is past cure.